As part of Bristol’s COP26 Regional activities, The Future Leap Network, Future Leap Hub and TLT hosted an online interactive event titled “Green Infrastructure” as part of the “Evolving Cities” series. Before the event began, the attendees enjoyed some pre-sessional networking.
Katherine Piper of Future Leap welcomed the attendees before giving an insight into The Future Leap Network, Future Leap Hub and the many benefits of membership, as well as the Festival of Sustainable Business. She then introduced the Chair of the event, Matthew Grimwood, a partner of TLT, who specialises in the property aspects of clean energy transactions. He introduced the speakers of the session:
- Georgina Knibbs, Principal Ecologist at Stantec
- James Sterling, Communications, Engagement and Partnerships Manager at Bristol City Council
- Jon Usher, Head of Partnerships at Sustrans
Georgina Knibbs, Stantec
Georgina spoke about how to protect and enhance biodiversity in urban spaces. She noted the importance of nature conservation and how both small-scale and large-scale green projects can have a beneficial impact on ecological biodiversity. She then summarised how this will have a positive impact on human well-being. Georgina provided valuable insight into how businesses can implement green features for the benefit of biodiversity and their workforce. Georgina’s final remarks remind us that good quality green infrastructure can, and is, effective at a smaller scale than one may think.
James Sterling, Bristol City Council
James deliberated on how the Council, businesses and communities can create a cleaner, greener and a healthier city. The strategy put forward prospects on how public/private sector partnership can be a great tool in achieving this. A partnership as such could lead to greater green infrastructure funding alongside making green infrastructure more accessible. James’ final call to action implored companies to reach out to the Council if considering to decarbonise as a company.
Jon Usher, Sustrans
Jon explored how we all have a role to play in achieving our carbon reduction commitments, both individually and as businesses. Individually, examples include being conscious of how we commute on everyday journeys, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport where possible. For businesses, incentivisation of EV car rental, cycle to work schemes – such as Cycling works Bristol – alongside conscientious thought on travel planning. Additionally, Jon emphasised the importance of businesses looking at what they can do on-sight, highlighting businesses should be seen as trend setters in this area. Jon’s concluding remarks addressed the elephant in the room: Drive less! Poignant, precise and indisputable.
Close
After the closing statements from each speaker Katherine brought the event to close, thanking all the speakers, attendees and TLT for sponsoring the event, whom without our events would not be possible.
